Over the past several years, HDTVs (High Definition televisions) have changed. As recently as 2008, a HDTV was a high-end luxury item. Today, they have become the new standard for television technology. Luckily, their price has dropped considerably, making them affordable to many consumers. Still, before purchasing one, it is important to take the time to understand just what to look for.

Today’s televisions come packed with a variety of features that make them far more versatile than ever before and HDTVs are no different. Many can connect to the Internet to take advantage of services like Netflix. Others include playback support for video, music and still images. Selecting the ideal set is a simple matter of understanding just what it is each set provides.

Plasma, LCD, and Projection! Oh My!

The first step of the selection process is deciding what type of HDTV to buy. As a rule, they are broken down into three main categories, each with its own set of positive features and drawbacks.

1. Plasma – Plasma has long been the favored choice for those interested in high-definition technology. It presents a super clear picture, bright colors, and crisp contrasts. Unfortunately, there is a burn in factor that can cause trouble. When one particular image remains on the screen for too long there is a chance it can burn into the screen creating a shadow that cannot be removed. In recent years technology has begun to improve, lessening this problem.
2. LCD – LCD HDTVs are super thin and ultra light. They are also less expensive than their plasma counterparts. There is one drawback – the pictures are not as clear as plasma technology. Images viewed on an angle in particular are a bit blurry or cloudy.
3. Projection – Project technology is ideal for those interested in HDTVs that are larger than 50”. Televisions with projection technology are deeper than others and the images will disappear when viewed on an extreme angle.

HDTV It’s Everywhere – Isn’t It?

Some consumers are afraid to fork out the money for a high-definition television because they assume there is a lack of programming. While most consumers who buy HDTV opt for specialized cable or satellite packages that offer multiple channels in HD, many people do not realize that most of the major networks broadcast all of their prime-time shows in high-definition. Spending a few minutes looking at a television guide will prove that it is easy to find high-definition programming no matter what cable or satellite package a viewer uses.

Really Cool Features Really Impact Cost

One of the biggest issues faced by consumes interested in purchasing an HDTV is the cost. While prices have already begun to dip down, they can still be quite expensive. There are several factors that impact the overall price of a unit.

1. Size – The bigger the set, the bigger the price tag. A 20 inch screen will cost between $300 and $400 while screens that are 65 inches or larger will cost well over $3,000.
2. Aspect Ration – The aspect ratio of the screen will impact the viewing experience as well as the price tag. Today, there are two sizes, 4:3 and 16:19. The 4:3 size is the aspect ratio most consumers are familiar with as it is the common ration used in traditional television sets. The biggest difference here is when viewing wide-screen programming and the edges of the scene seem cut off. 16:19 is a more common aspect ratio for HDTVs. It will allow the viewer to experience the entire screen as the shape and size are similar to a movie screen.
3. Resolution – finally, carefully consider the resolution of the set. The technicality surrounding screen resolution takes an advanced degree in computer sciences to understand, but for the average consumer, there is one thing to know: a resolution of 1080p is the best and will present the highest quality image. After 1080p, consumers can choose from 1080i or 780p, each with a slightly lower degree of clarity.

The HDTV Is Bought... Now What?

Once a consumer buys an HDTV, the next step is installation. The truth is, spending the extra money on installation is almost always a good idea, especially for those who want to have the set mounted. Most retailers offer installation and for those that don’t, hiring a local home theater expert just makes sense – after all, HDTVs are expensive and dropping one during installation would be a catastrophe. It also makes sense to spend the money on quality cables. The market has many sub-par or generic cables. It is always a good idea to buy cables designed for a specific set. Again, retailers can guide consumers towards the best cables for their needs.

Making the decision to buy an HDTV is a big one. Take the time to research all available options and to understand which features are necessary and which features will just drive the price up. To find the best price, check out sales and Black Friday ads – big ticket items like high-definition televisions are often featured.